Kamal Ghorui
Gujarat Titans clinched a dramatic one-run victory over Delhi Capitals in a match that went down to the final delivery, thanks to a nerve-jangling last over and a crucial moment of hesitation from David Miller. Chasing 211, Delhi Capitals fell agonizingly short at 209 for eight after Miller refused a single off Prasidh Krishna’s penultimate delivery, a move that ultimately handed the game to GT. The experienced Jos Buttler, who had taken off one glove, sent down a perfect direct hit, catching Kuldeep Yadav short of the crease. Shubman Gill, who had anchored Gujarat’s innings with a 70-ball half-century alongside Jos Buttler’s explosive 52 and Washington Sundar’s 55 off 32, felt the match hung in the balance right until the last ball. “Definitely, all the three games that we’ve played, have gone until the last over. But very pleased to get over the line in this one,” Gill said, reflecting on the tension-filled finish. On Miller’s refusal of the single, Gill admitted it swung momentum in GT’s favour. “When Miller didn’t take the run off the fifth ball, we have a chance to win,” he said. Discussing the choice of the final delivery, Gill praised Prasidh Krishna’s slower ball selection: “No, we were just discussing whether to go for the yorker or to go for the slower one. But given how the wicket is playing, a good slower one would be difficult to hit for a boundary.” Gill also highlighted the importance of fielding and the total posted. “Apart from the overthrows and boundary, every effort counts, especially in a game like this where you win by one run,” he said. “210 on this wicket was 10-15 runs above par. Even in the death overs, hitting the big boundaries wasn’t easy. We thought if we bowl well, we should be able to win this one.” For Gill, the victory was a mix of relief and satisfaction. “Yes, definitely. Now I just need to sleep and see how I wake up tomorrow,” he added. Gujarat Titans’ composure under pressure and Gill’s calm leadership proved decisive in a thriller that will be remembered for Miller’s dramatic miss and the Titans’ nerve to hold on.
